Gena Rotstein

Advisor in Philanthropy

Gena Rotstein is one of Canada’s leading experts in Social Enterprise.  The founder of Canada’s first Philanthropic Brokerage Firm and Place2Give: the ground-breaking “e-Harmony” of the charitable sector.

With over 15 years of non-profit work experience throughout Canada and the United States, Gena has evolved into an expert matchmaker between businesses, philanthropists, and the myriad of ways they contribute to the charitable sector. Her in-depth understanding of social values matches people to organizations through the KARMA & CENTS™ model thereby fulfilling their philanthropy vision ensuring they receive the biggest bang for their social ‘buck’.

A graduate of Brandeis University in Boston with an MA in Non-Profit Management and Jewish Communal Service, Gena has been interviewed by, and written for, a number of leading newspapers and web columns on fundraising and philanthropy including BNN; CBC; Financial Post; Globe & Mail; Advisor’s Edge; Canadian Compensation & Benefits; Money Sense Magazine, Alberta Venture Magazine, The Financial Post, The Calgary Herald and Canadian Fundraiser eNews. An expert in her field, Gena takes a new approach to an old sector – Philanthropy 3.0, and has spoken at various events to both targeted audiences and in front of large crowds - TEDxCalgary, The Canadian Women’s Foundation Calgary Insight Lecture Series; Canadian Conference of Corporate & Community Social Responsibility; and AFP Congress Toronto. She was also named Top 40 Under 40 by Avenue Magazine in 2009.

Devika Shah

Director of Strategic Relationships

Devika's role is to strengthen Pembina's capacity to advance sustainable energy solutions by strategically engaging individuals and organizations in the work of the Institute. In particular, she is focused on building Pembina's network of external relationships, attracting philanthropic support to the organization and enlisting key influencers to serve as "ambassadors" for Pembina's policy solutions.

Prior to joining the organization in mid-2008, Devika was chief development officer, international at the York University Foundation, where she was responsible for raising funds in support of the university's internationalization initiatives. Devika also spent over 3 years with KCI Philanthropy, Canada's largest fundraising consultancy where she worked with a diverse range of clients within the not-for-profit sector.